Hi Doubleriflejack,
Now you got me in trouble: I was planning on making a rather simple set of locks, with huge interceptor sears. On a .700 NE, doubling is not an option: if it were to happen, it would be safer to be in front of it rather than behind it.

I have never been much of a fan of self-openers, because they are hard-closers. Nevertheless, you got me curious about the subject... So, I'll spend a few days on the drawing board (make that the CAD screen... I know, I know, I'm old but not that old) to see if I can come up with a more balanced version of the Purdey/Beesley system.

It would be great to have the same resistance on opening and closing. I'll probably fall flat on my face trying... I wouldn't be the first time. And at my age, I sincerely hope that it wouldn't be the last.

If I come up with something worthwhile, I'll post the drawings.

By the way, I am going to use A7 for all the lock parts. It is unbeatable for shock resistance and hardness.